Warfare (Film)

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Warfare, is an American war film written and directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, released in 2025. The film is based on a real event experienced by Mendoza, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, during the 2006 Iraq War in Ramadi, and is distributed by A24. The cast features a strong ensemble including D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mendoza, Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton, Cosmo Jarvis and Kit Connor.

The film recounts a real-time firefight involving a SEAL team caught in an ambush in a rebel-held area of Ramadi on November 19, 2006, focusing on the courageous moments that earned Mendoza the Silver Star. Warfare premiered on March 16, 2025, at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago and was released in theaters on April 11, 2025.

Plot

Warfare centers on the story of a U.S. Navy SEAL team ambushed during a surveillance mission in Ramadi, Iraq. The events of November 19, 2006, are portrayed in real time, entirely based on the recollections of the team members.

Mendoza (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) and his team are discovered by Al-Qaeda insurgents after using the home of an Iraqi family as an observation post, triggering a fierce attack. The film centers on the chaotic moments following the severe wounding of team member Elliott Miller (Cosmo Jarvis), as Mendoza leads efforts to evacuate him. Reflecting the raw and brutal reality of war, the film explores themes of brotherhood, sacrifice and survival.

Cast

• D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai – Ray Mendoza
• Will Poulter – Erik (Captain)
• Cosmo Jarvis – Elliott Miller
• Joseph Quinn – Sam (based on Joe Hildebrand)
• Charles Melton – Jake Wayne (Assistant Operations Officer)
• Kit Connor – Unknown Role
• Finn Bennett – John
• Noah Centineo – Brian
• Michael Gandolfini – Unknown Role
• Taylor John Smith – Unknown Role
• Adain Bradley – Laerrus (ANGLICO Marine)
• Evan Holtzman – Brock
• Henrique Zaga – Unknown Role
• Heider Ali – Unknown Role
• Nathan Altai – Unknown Role

Production

Warfare was developed in February 2024 following Mendoza’s collaboration with Alex Garland as a military consultant on Garland’s film Civil War (2024). The screenplay was written by Mendoza and Garland, drawing on Mendoza’s personal memories and statements from other team members. Filming began in London in May 2024 and was completed after five weeks of intense shooting. To enhance realism, the film was shot in chronological order, and the actors underwent a three-week SEAL training camp to prepare physically and tactically. Cinematographer David J. Thompson employed dynamic camera movements in confined spaces to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. Sound design by Glenn Freemantle received acclaim for its realistic combat sound effects. Production design was handled by Mark Digby, while costume design was by David Crossman and Neil Murphy. The film is dedicated to Mendoza’s wounded comrade Elliott Miller.

Thematic Structure

The Reality of War and Anti-War Narrative

Warfare portrays the raw and chaotic nature of war, distancing itself from Hollywood’s conventional heroic narratives. Garland and Mendoza emphasize the senselessness and destruction of war, delivering an implicit anti-war message. The film immerses the viewer in the fear and stress of combat.

Brotherhood and Sacrifice

The bond between team members forms the emotional core of the film. Mendoza’s relentless efforts to save the severely wounded Elliott Miller reflect the unbreakable loyalty among soldiers. The film treats this bond with emotional depth while maintaining realism.

Memory and Trauma

By grounding the narrative entirely in memory, the film questions how trauma and stress shape recollection. Mendoza’s process of writing down his experiences is described as a form of therapy, and the film reflects this personal journey of healing.

Release and Reception

Warfare premiered on March 16, 2025, at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago and was released in U.S. theaters on April 11, 2025, and in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2025. The film earned $8.2 million during its opening weekend, exceeding expectations of $6–9 million across 2,670 theaters. It received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 91% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89% Popcornmeter score. Critics praised the film’s realistic storytelling, sound design and ensemble performances, particularly highlighting the compelling portrayals of wounded soldiers by Cosmo Jarvis and Joseph Quinn. The Guardian compared the film to the opening sequence of Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, while The Hollywood Reporter drew parallels to The Hurt Locker and Black Hawk Down. However, some critics noted that Iraqi characters were not sufficiently developed and that the film lacked narrative context. Audience reactions were also positive, with comments on X emphasizing the film’s intense and immersive atmosphere.